Article Summary –
The candidate filing period for elected office in Montana has closed, with 416 people running for a variety of positions, from the U.S. Senate to state Legislature. Prominent races include incumbent U.S. Senator Jon Tester facing several challengers, with Republican businessman Tim Sheehy being the primary contender. Other key elections will be for the governorship, two seats on the state Supreme Court, three seats on the utility regulation board, and various state positions.
Montana Election Season Begins
The deadline for candidate filing for Montana’s elections has passed, marking the start of a significant season. Key races include the contest between incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and key challenger Tim Sheehy, among others. This year, 416 candidates are vying for various positions from U.S. Senate to state Legislature.
“Thank you and congratulations to all of the candidates who filed to represent our wonderful state,” said Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen.
Montanans have various essential positions to vote for, including president, U.S. Senate, two Congress seats, governorship, and various state positions. Newly updated legislative maps will be used for state legislator elections.
Montana Republicans have seen success in recent elections, winning majority in the state Legislature and controlling all statewide offices except Tester’s Senate seat.
U.S. SENATE
Republicans aim to dethrone Tester, whom many see as one of the most vulnerable U.S. Senate members. Tim Sheehy has been recruited by the NRSC to challenge Tester. Also running on the Republican ticket is Brad Johnson, former Montana secretary of state and Public Service Commission member. Libertarian Sid Daoud is also hoping to gain some previous Rosendale supporters.
U.S. HOUSE, EASTERN DISTRICT
With Rosendale’s decision not to seek re-election, several Republicans are seeking to replace him. Prominent GOP candidates include former Congressman Denny Rehberg, Elsie Arntzen, and State Auditor Troy Downing.
U.S. HOUSE, WESTERN DISTRICT
Democrat Monica Tranel is seeking a rematch with incumbent Republican Ryan Zinke for the western U.S. House district. Zinke will need to fend off a challenge from Mary Todd.
GOVERNOR
Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte is seeking re-election and will face a challenge from Republican state Rep. Tanner Smith. His highest profile Democratic challenger is author and former firearms executive Ryan Busse.
MONTANA SUPREME COURT
The planned retirements of Montana Supreme Court’s Mike McGrath and Dirk Sandefur will create two open seats. These elections have played host to major political flashpoints recently.
MONTANA ATTORNEY GENERAL
Incumbent Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, known for his stances on hot political topics, is seeking re-election.
STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Republican Superintendent Elsie Arntzen is seeking election to the U.S. House in the state’s eastern district. Running to replace her is vice chair of the state Board of Public Education, Susie Hedalen.
MONTANA STATE AUDITOR
Several Republicans are running to replace outgoing Montana auditor Troy Downing, including Public Service Commission President James Brown and state Sen. Steve Gunderson.
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Three seats are up for grabs on Montana’s utility regulation board, the Public Service Commission.
CLERK OF THE SUPREME COURT
Incumbent Republican Bowen Greenwood is seeking re-election for the clerk of the state Supreme Court, a partisan position.
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